Pineapples still providing a living for Mainstay/Whyaka women
Mainstay/Whyaka, a sandy settlement, is located approximately 10 miles from Anna Regina in Region Two. Presently, the Anna Regina market stalls are flooded with its pineapples which are sold by seasonal farmers - mostly females.
According to one farmer, pineapple harvesting commenced in April and is in full swing. The female vendors and farmers related that over the years cultivation and marketing of the fruit paved the way for income generation in their families. Pineapple cultivation is considered agro-tourism – the economic activity surrounding cultivation and harvesting is popular in Mainstay/Whyaka and often attracts tourists. Most of the lands in the Mainstay community are under pineapple cultivation, according to Jeneve Pearson. She occupies two acres. With harvesting now in progress Pearson wants to ensure that she gets the best of sales. Pearson’s pineapple prices range from $100-$500.
Pearson said that like any other crop, pineapples are affected by pests, however she ensures that her plot remains organic. Pearson explained that from the sales of pineapple she supports her household and sends her children to school. “I have been planting pineapples since I was eight years, I worked at the pineapple factory at Mainstay, I know to peel this pine fast, it’s an art, I look forward to the crop, especially in April and November,” Pearson said. Her mother, Amanda Pearson, who has a stall next to Jeneve, says that she is happy that her daughter has followed in her footsteps in pineapple farming. She said that many women in the village look forward to